It's beginning to look a lot like "Sim-Sim"

This morning I decided to put up the ceramic Christmas tree that my grandmother made back in the 1960's. I remember, as a kid, staring at this tree for hours on end and being completely mesmerized by the lights at her house. A few months ago my mom brought it up to Boston when she came to visit and I was really looking forward to putting it out. Now that it's Thanksgiving week, it finally felt like a good time.

As you might imagine, Ellis was really excited to help put the lights on it. While we were decorating it, I told her that Mamaw (my grandmother) made it and that it was a Christmas tree. Let me just say that it's amazing to me the things she is remembering and repeating right now. This video shows how well she knows her colors now and that, after only telling her one time, she knew who had made it. Guess it really is time to start watching what I say around her...uh oh!

A Trip to the Zoo

Looking like a big girl playing at the zoo.
This is the "big cat" that stared Ellis down in the video below.
Bear!
Ellis staring at the bears. I LOVE this picture. It might make it onto our Christmas cards so don't look at it too long if you usually get a card from us.

While daddy went to NYC this past week, Ellis and I went to the zoo. Not exactly a great consolation prize for not being able to go to New York with daddy, but we had fun nevertheless. Ellis was especially fond of the bears and monkeys, though I think she got a little creeped out by the "big cat". I can't say I blame her though. That cougar was staring her down something fierce. I'll post a video of her reaction to it. It's kind of funny. Anyways, Uncle Bro arrives next week for Thanksgiving and then Christmas will be upon us. I keep asking myself where 2009 went. Good thing I have this blog to look back on or else I'd have no earthly idea.

Ellis and the "big cat"

Video Proof that She's Growing Up

Here are a few videos of Ellis's latest accomplishments and developments.

About a week ago, she started going down the big slide all by herself. I was terrified at first but, as you can see, she is very cautious and does a good job on her own. And, c'mon, how cute is that hat!

This is a video of Ellis counting and naming her colors. She's really close to knowing all her colors but there are still moments when everything is 'blue' or 'purple'. And I just love the way she says 'three'.

I recently started letting Ellis drink chocolate milk in the mornings after she has her yogurt. She keeps drinking it until the cup is bone dry and she's slurping the bottom. I know that chocolate milk may not be a big deal to most of you, but I've been a bit of a stickler with Ellis where 'junk' foods are concerned. So, this is definitely a BIG treat for her. And, as you can tell, she LOVES it.